Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among several populations of primary healthcare workers in comparison to the prediction in the general population and associated factors in France

Abstract Background Data on the SARS-CoV-2 infection among primary health care workers (PHCWs) are scarce but essential to reflect on policy regarding prevention and control measures. Aim We assessed the prevalence of PHCWs who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with modeling from the general population in metropolitan France, and associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners (GPs), pediatricians, dental and pharmacy workers in primary care between May-August 2021. Participants volunteered to provide a dried-blood spot for SARS-CoV-2 antibody assessment and completed a questionnaire. The primary outcome was defined as the detection of infection-induced antibodies or previous self-reported diagnoses. Estimates were adjusted using weights for representativeness and compared with prediction from the general population. Poisson regressions were used to quantify associated factors. Results The analysis included 1612 PHCWs. Weighted prevalences were: 31.7% (95%CI: 27.5-36.0) for GPs, 28.7% (95%CI: 24.4-33.0) for pediatricians, 25.2% (95%CI: 20.6-31.0) for dentists, and 25.5% (95%CI: 18.2-34.0) for pharmacists. Estimates were compatible with model predictions for the general population. PHCWs more likely to be infected were: GPs compared to pharmacist assistants (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.26; CI95% 1.01-5.07), those living in Île-de-France (aPR= 1.53; CI95% 1.14-2.05), South-East (aPR = 1.57; CI95% 1.19-2.08), North-East (aPR= 1.81; CI95% 1.38-2.37), and those having an unprotected contact with a COVID-19 case within the household (aPR = 1.48; CI95% 1.22-1.80). Occupational factors were not associated with infection. Conclusion Results suggest that prevention practices implemented in primary care in France were effective, but should be strengthened when a case is detected at home.